The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Local news

Related Photos

  • Enid Fire Chief Phil Clover. (Staff File Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

    2web_Clover_BV.jpg

Discussion

October 24, 2011

Fire chief dies: Phil Clover, 58, dead after heart attack Sunday

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Enid Fire Chief Phil Clover died Sunday in Tulsa after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 58 years old.

He served 34 years with the Enid Fire Department, joining in 1977 at the position of firefighter. He also served as a driver, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief before being selected by the Enid Fire Civil Service Commission Feb. 1, 1996, as chief.

Clover received the Oklahoma State Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Chief of The Year Award in 1999 and was commended by then-Gov. Frank Keating for this distinction. He also was responsible for expanding the department’s medical services and aided in securing a regional firefighter training facility for Northwest Oklahoma at Autry Technology Center.

Those who worked with Clover remembered his passion for public safety and his drive to serve the Enid community.

“Phil was not only a good friend, but he was a treasured fellow leader,” City Manager Eric Benson said. “He was a very good friend. He was an up-front guy, a true gentleman.

“I feel very, very honored to have called him my friend.”

Benson said he remembers a hot day when the city opened its dog park. Sparky the fire dog was out there interacting with children.

“He was very energetic and big hit,” he said. “I was just sure it was one of those young guys from the department. He comes over to me and takes off the head of the outfit, and it was Phil Clover.”

April Danahy, who was on the civil service commission that promoted Clover to chief, recalled and lauded the chief’s efforts.

“When he interviewed to become the fire chief in Enid, Okla., one of the things he wanted to do was to create positive images of the fire department, increase the image of the fire department,” she said. “He really wanted to make a difference and make the fire department a true community department and he did.”

Danahy said Clover did whatever he could to improve Enid’s relationship with the department.

“If it was putting on a Sparky suit and roller skating, he’d do it,” she said. “He wanted the fire department to be so much a part of this community, and I think he did that.”

Fire Marshal Ken Helms said he and the members of the department were shocked to learn of the loss of their leader.

“We’re all just all surprised and shocked to learn we’ve lost our chief,” he said. “He’s been a good boss and good co-worker. He’ll be missed.”

Helms said Clover was very active throughout the state in public safety organizations.

Enid Police Department Chief Brian O’Rourke said Clover was a friend and passionate about his job.

“Phil and I were good friends for the last 10, 11 years,” he said. “He’s done a lot for the fire department. He’s a great guy. He loved public safety and he had a passion for it.

“He really cared about the city of Enid and he cared about the city of Enid Fire Department.”

Benson said Assistant Chief Joe Jackson will assume the responsibilities of acting chief.

The Fire Civil Service Commission must conduct testing and interviews of qualified candidates before a new chief can be selected.

Text Only
Local news